Join us for a high-level overview of the Federal Budget! Our panelists will talk about the key environmental commitments and overall directions of Budget 2024 through the lens of climate-readiness, affordability, and jobs.

Does the budget live up to the expectations of environmental advocates and civil society?

Budget2024 is being delivered during a time of cost of living pressures, housing affordability issues, and many other competing public priorities. Our panelists will highlight where key environmental priorities land in Budget2024, from energy efficiency to sustainable jobs to climate adaptation, and reflect on their framing in connection to other public priorities and the overall direction of the economy.

Meet Our Panelists!

Kendall Anderson, Program Director, Equitable Transition, Pembina Institute

Kendall Anderson is the director of the Pembina Institute’s Equitable Transition program, which focuses on the co-benefits of climate action, including gender equity, economic success, community connectedness and jobs. Her research and stakeholder engagement works towards ensuring the clean energy sectors of tomorrow are inclusive and equitable. Prior to joining the Pembina Institute, Kendall worked for the Samara Centre for Democracy, a national charity focused on engaging more Canadians in the political system. Kendall holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph and a Graduate Certificate in the Science and Policy of Climate Change from Royal Roads University.

Alex Callahan, National Director of Health, Safety and Environment, Canadian Labour Congress

Alex Callahan is the National Director of Health, Safety and Environment with the Canadian Labour Congress. He is responsible for coordinating national campaigns, providing advice and advocating on worker health and safety, and environmental and sustainability issues. Alex spent over a decade as a political staffer at Queen’s Park working on issues management, policy and engaging stakeholders, and has experience in opinion research and communications. Alex is a graduate of Mount Allison University, and a lifelong cyclist.

Corey Diamond, Executive Director, Efficiency Canada

Corey has more than two decades of experience leading social change organizations focused on engaging people to take action on critical environmental and social issues. Corey was previously the COO and Partner of global consulting firm, Realized Worth, a company focused on the design and implementation of corporate volunteering and giving programs. Managing the business development and operations, Corey worked with FORTUNE500 companies (including Apple, Deloitte, AT&T and SAP) around the world to engage their employees in critical and sustained community projects. Corey also spent 10 years helping to lead Summerhill, a national firm focused on engaging the public on energy efficiency behaviours. An avid reader, record collector and musician, his greatest passion is hugging trees and travelling the world with his family.

Our Moderator: Shakti Ramkumar, Senior Director of Policy and Communications, Student Energy

Shakti Ramkumar is a climate action and clean energy advocate, passionate about collectively building a globally equitable energy system that operates within our planetary boundaries. Shakti is currently the Senior Director of Policy and Communications at Student Energy, a global youth-led organization working with a network of 50,000 young people in 120+ countries to accelerate the transition to a just and sustainable energy future. Shakti directs Student Energy’s research and youth engagement portfolio, which has published research including the Global Youth Energy Outlook, Youth Impact Framework, and the Energy Transition Skills Project. She also leads the development of accessible energy education content for the Energy System Map, which has reached 17 million users globally. Shakti regularly speaks about the crucial role of youth in just energy transitions in spaces including UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs), and was recently named one of Corporate Knights’ 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders in Canada for her work

With Special Guest

Andrew Van Iterson, Manager, Green Budget Coalition

Andrew has managed the Green Budget Coalition since 2005 and feels lucky to work with a team of smart, dedicated, collaborative people. His role particularly involves supporting GBC members to collaboratively develop, refine and agree on the GBC’s recommendations document, organizing and leading meetings with senior government representatives, and securing funding for the GBC. Andrew has been active on environmental issues for thirty years, and has a Master’s in environmental studies from York University, with a diploma in business and environment through the Schulich Business School. He worked for a year with the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainable Development, developing guidance for auditing sustainable development. Andrew strives to live lightly on the planet, much enjoys cycling and cross-country skiing and leads making an outdoor rink in his local park.